Petess



BENJN. J. DAY, OF YORK, INDIANA.

BRIDLE-BIT.

Specification of Letters Patent No. 14,856, dated May 13, 1856.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, BENJAMIN I. DAY, of the county of Gibson and State of Indiana, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Bridle-Bits; and I do hereby declare that t-he following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making a part of this specification.

To the common curb and lever bit is attached a folding limb (C Figure 2) kept closed by a spring contained in a boss (H Figs. 2 and 3) at the lower end of the lever (A Fig. 2). The spring, which may be made of steel protected from oxidation, or tempered brass, is attached one end to the side of the box, the other to the rim of an axle (1m m Fig. The axle, to obtain tightness with diameter, has placed on it a rim (4 Fig. 3) around which the spring coils, and has its ends received into and makes its bearings on the ends of the box (O, P, Fig. l); and at one end fits by a square neck tightly into the lower end of the folding limb (C Fig. l). To the upper end of the folding limb is attached the rein-ring which, while the limb is closed, is opposite to the mouth piece (B, B Fig. l) and passing through the lever is a screw (7L Fig. 2) which projects slightly (d Fig. 2) and is received into the upper end ofthe folding limb when closed; thereby counter acting any tendency to its lateral displacement. IVhen it is desired that the bit should remain a non curb and lever, the folding limb is screwed to the lever (h Fig. The junction of the mouth piece (B, B, Fig. l) with the lever (A) at each side is effected by a joint, so as to obviate any twisting that might otherwise occur to the folding limb, when strong traction was made on the rim. Two screws, one in either end of the axle, holds it securely to its place, strengthens the hinge, and fastens in the end of the box. All the bridle-bit, except the spring, may be cast or wrought. The spring can be set up so as to make the folding limb (C) harder' to be pulled open.

I do not claim the attaching of a gumelastic strap, or other elastic material to the upper ring of the common curb and lever bit by one end, the other extending a few inches out on, and attached to the rein, which itself is attached to the lower ring, nor do I claim straight, curved and spiral springs, but

I/Vhat I do claim and wish to secure by Letters Patent is,

The screw h, the spring and folding limb C, applied and operating substantially in the manner described, by which the common curb and lever bit, and the non-curb and lever bit, can be changed at pleasure from one to the other.

B. I. DAY.

Vitnesses Gr. W. CLEAVELAND, T. M. STRAIN. 

